Clovis man convicted in child’s death

January 25, 2008

9th Judicial District Attorney’s office

Clovis, NM ~ Ninth Judicial District Attorney Matthew Chandler announced today a Clovis Jury deliberated for approximately two hours before returning a Guilty Verdict against Leroy “Roy” Jaramillo, age 44, for the death of a 9 month-old Clovis baby. The baby, Cristyan Ibarra, died on October 15, 2004 in a Lubbock Hospital from extensive hemorrhaging of the brain and other closed head injuries.

On October 12, 2004, Clovis Police Officers were dispatched to investigate a possible child abuse case at the Clovis Plains Regional Medical Center. Information was received that the baby was left with Mr. Jaramillo at a Clovis hotel for only approximately 15 minutes, but when the baby’s mother returned to the hotel the baby was unresponsive and convulsing. After a lengthy investigation by the Clovis Police Department and Agents with the District Attorney’s Office, an arrest warrant was issued for the Mr. Jaramillo. On December 21, 2005, the Mr. Jaramillo was taken into custody after a two-hour standoff with the Special Response Team from the Clovis Police Department.

The jury trial began on Tuesday, January 22nd, and concluded this afternoon with the reading of the verdict. At trial, an expert for the prosecution testified that the baby died from injuries consistent with ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome.’

Child Abuse Resulting in Death is a 1st degree felony in New Mexico and is punishable by life in prison. However, at the time the alleged crime was committed the punishment was 18 years in prison; therefore, Mr. Jaramillo faces a mandatory sentence of 18 years in prison for his conviction.

The Court ordered that the sentencing of the Defendant take place within the next 30 days. The Honorable Judge Stephen Quinn presided over the jury trial, and District Attorney Matthew Chandler and Chief Deputy District Attorney Andrea Reeb prosecuted the case for the State.